Joho, Junet Face KOT Wrath After Posting Edited Video Of Ruto's Address

Kenyans On Twitter (KOT) reprimanded Mombasa Governor, Hassan Joho and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed after they shared an edited video of Deputy President William Ruto. 

The clip was doctored to make it look as though the Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate was alleged to be uttering inciteful and divisive remarks when he took his campaigns to Uasin Gishu County. 

The clip was divided into several parts and left out the rest of the address to convince netizens that Ruto was trying to incite residents of the county ahead of the August 9 general elections. 

Deputy President William Ruto speaking during a past rally. /FILE

Both personalities posted that video on their verified accounts on Tuesday, August 2, slamming the Deputy President for allegedly using those remarks to turn Uasin Gishu residents against non-indigenous Kenyans, urging them to drive them out if they do not back his presidential bid in the elections. 

"Completely unacceptable! It is just not right. This is now dangerous. 

"Someone remind Ruto that Kenya is a country for all of us. Live where you want and vote your choice freely. This is exactly why we need Azimio la Umoja," Joho wrote. 

"Madharau na Vitisho ya watu wa Central, Western na Nyanza itaisha Tarehe Tisa mwezi huu. (Disrespect and insults against Central, Western and Nyanza residents will stop on August 9). What a shame for a Deputy president of a county of many communities to speak like this," wrote Junet. 

The posts drew the anger of KOT whose members were quick to spot the irregularities in the clips. 

"It's sad how low leaders can go to sway voters but let us not play with people's lives. Such a shame Hon Junet for posting this fake clip/ translation," one user replied. 

"6 days to the election, this is so sad! Deputy President William Ruto should urgently record a statement at the nearest Police Station. Leaders that are trying to divide Kenya shame on you!" Alinur Mohamed weighed in. 

Others proceeded to report the clips to Twitter for further action.

Viral Tea has established that the clips were indeed doctored, with the original clip showing Ruto urging the Uasin Gishu residents not to let politics separate their need to unite as Kenyans ahead of the election period. 

"The people of Western Kenya, Nyanza, Central and other parts of the country who are here all belong to Uasin Gishu and their home is Uasin Gishu. This county is the home of every Kenyan and we want to tell those who want to divide us, shame on you and we will report you to God if you try to divide us," he said. 

Kenyans are urged to be wary of disinformation and misinformation as the elections draw closer.

The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) recently highlighted TikTok as the social media platform most prevalent in spreading hate speech messages.

The commission, in a weekly report, noted the increase from 14 cases in the previous week to 20 cases between July 15 and July 21 on TikTok. 

Facebook came second with 12 cases while Twitter had 11 cases of hate speech. Two cases were highlighted on Telegram.

NCIC Commissioner Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia. /FILE